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Yoga for Children and Teens: Teaching on Your Toes
"...All adolescents are saturated with new hormones, new and acute kinds of self-consciousness, new kinds of desires, and confronted with the avalanche of new responsibilities that are associated with the threshold of adulthood. All of this physical and mental turmoil creates a new kind of muscular tension in the adolescent. They squirm. They chew their fingernails. They tap their feet. They screw themselves up into the damndest kind of postures. They jump up and down and shout at the slightest provocation. They are like tightly wound springs." |
Bauer, Joy and Bonnie Stephens. Yummy Yoga: Playful Poses and Tasty Treats. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2019. ISBN 978-1419738241; Hardcover; US $14.99, CAN $18.99.
I tried to like this book, even though it immediately seemed like a yoga-bandwagon cash grab. Written by a celebrity nutritionist and self-proclaimed "health expert," it combines fruit + veg based recipes with yoga poses done by children and...food. One of the recipes is for fruit cubed and place on a skewer, others are for much more complicated dishes that would require cooking on a stove and lots of parent intervention. I'm not sure how "kid-friendly" eggplant pizza is. I love eggplant and even I thought it looked gross.
There are only 8 yoga poses included. The descriptions written at the back of the book to explain the poses are pretty sound, which makes me assume the author consulted with a yoga teacher or did some research, which is reassuring. I keep telling myself I should like Yummy Yoga, from a physical literacy perspective it combines healthy eating with movement, but I don't. I guess my overall disappointment with the book is that it is supposedly designed for younger kids but from what I can tell, it's just not written with a specific age demographic in mind. The language ("Doing yoga is super fun!") seems to be written for a younger audience, and the child models all seem to be under 8 years of age, but the recipe and yoga pose instructions seem to be written for older readers, maybe late elementary or middle school. But the fruit and veg pose photos, lift-the-flap layout, and rainbow color scheme seem like they are geared to the preschool set. I can't tell if the book is designed to be read with parents, or on their own, or some combination. I gave the book to my 12-year-old and 7-year-old and they were both entirely indifferent to it. And I guess that's how I felt too. Like by trying to be so many things, the book fails to find its audience.
I tried to like this book, even though it immediately seemed like a yoga-bandwagon cash grab. Written by a celebrity nutritionist and self-proclaimed "health expert," it combines fruit + veg based recipes with yoga poses done by children and...food. One of the recipes is for fruit cubed and place on a skewer, others are for much more complicated dishes that would require cooking on a stove and lots of parent intervention. I'm not sure how "kid-friendly" eggplant pizza is. I love eggplant and even I thought it looked gross.
There are only 8 yoga poses included. The descriptions written at the back of the book to explain the poses are pretty sound, which makes me assume the author consulted with a yoga teacher or did some research, which is reassuring. I keep telling myself I should like Yummy Yoga, from a physical literacy perspective it combines healthy eating with movement, but I don't. I guess my overall disappointment with the book is that it is supposedly designed for younger kids but from what I can tell, it's just not written with a specific age demographic in mind. The language ("Doing yoga is super fun!") seems to be written for a younger audience, and the child models all seem to be under 8 years of age, but the recipe and yoga pose instructions seem to be written for older readers, maybe late elementary or middle school. But the fruit and veg pose photos, lift-the-flap layout, and rainbow color scheme seem like they are geared to the preschool set. I can't tell if the book is designed to be read with parents, or on their own, or some combination. I gave the book to my 12-year-old and 7-year-old and they were both entirely indifferent to it. And I guess that's how I felt too. Like by trying to be so many things, the book fails to find its audience.
Chryssicas, Mary K. Breathe: Yoga for Teens. New York: DK Pub, 2007. ISBN 978-0-7566-2661-7; Book & DVD; US $14.99, CAN $17.99.
This reasonably priced, colorful, and creative book with accompanying CD is perfectly geared towards teens. Featuring photographs of real teens from various ethnic backgrounds doing yoga poses (though I would complain there are no male models or models of varying body-size), and including inspiring quotes from celebrities, it is very easy for teens to feel that these exercises and yoga tenets are accessible, easy-to-read and fashionable. The book opens with a brief history of yoga, breath-work and chakras, and then gets right into the poses with attention grabbing names like "hip-hop hips," "lightening bolt," and "hero's twist" and then an inspiring series of practices with names like "wake-up call" (for the morning), "bendy back," and "yoga booty."
There is also a section on taking care of your body and suggestions for when things are out of whack, such as what to do "if you're not flexible," "if you have a headache," of "if you have back problems." I think, overall, this is a terrific resource for teens, my only concern is the obvious gender bias and focus on weight and appearances (such as a section of poses you can do "if you're overweight" (100-101) featuring very thin models. There is also a cheesy spiritual undertone to the manual that some may find off-putting and goes against Yoga's Hindu, Buddhist, and Jianist roots: "Radiant angels are watching. I think we have spiritual guides or angels that help steer us in the right direction. Do you follow their advice?" (Chryssicas, 152). Despite its flaws, I still consider this a worthy addition to any yoga collection and especially appropriate to have out on display during teen yoga programs.
This reasonably priced, colorful, and creative book with accompanying CD is perfectly geared towards teens. Featuring photographs of real teens from various ethnic backgrounds doing yoga poses (though I would complain there are no male models or models of varying body-size), and including inspiring quotes from celebrities, it is very easy for teens to feel that these exercises and yoga tenets are accessible, easy-to-read and fashionable. The book opens with a brief history of yoga, breath-work and chakras, and then gets right into the poses with attention grabbing names like "hip-hop hips," "lightening bolt," and "hero's twist" and then an inspiring series of practices with names like "wake-up call" (for the morning), "bendy back," and "yoga booty."
There is also a section on taking care of your body and suggestions for when things are out of whack, such as what to do "if you're not flexible," "if you have a headache," of "if you have back problems." I think, overall, this is a terrific resource for teens, my only concern is the obvious gender bias and focus on weight and appearances (such as a section of poses you can do "if you're overweight" (100-101) featuring very thin models. There is also a cheesy spiritual undertone to the manual that some may find off-putting and goes against Yoga's Hindu, Buddhist, and Jianist roots: "Radiant angels are watching. I think we have spiritual guides or angels that help steer us in the right direction. Do you follow their advice?" (Chryssicas, 152). Despite its flaws, I still consider this a worthy addition to any yoga collection and especially appropriate to have out on display during teen yoga programs.
Flynn, Lisa. Yoga for Children: 200+ Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises, and Meditations for Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Children. Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2013. ISBN 978-1-4405-5463-6; Paperback; US $17.95, CAN $18.99.
Written by a mom and yoga educator, Flynn knows firsthand the difficulty of helping kids self-regulate. At age six, her son was diagnosed with ADD and Sensory Processing Disorder. While this book is mostly geared towards helping parents facilitate yoga sessions with their children, it is a necessary and thorough resource for all children's yoga teachers. Supported with scientific research that lists the benefits of yoga for children (increases balance, strengthens immune system, improves sports performance, enhances listening skills, and much more!) beyond the body and mind and brings the results into the classroom: encourages community, improves executive functioning, helps increase confidence over competitiveness. My favorite finding she discusses is how yoga has been proven to aid speech development "through slow, repetitive verbal instructions, songs, and the imitation of simple sounds found in nature" (26). Breath work (pranayama) for speech development is essential, because we speak on the exhale, so the more breath support we have, the more chance for expression. Flynn breaks her instructions down by developmental age group (2-4, 4-6, 7-10, 10-12) which is perfect for the library educator planning yoga programming sessions for children. With sections on individual asanas, sequences, massage, partner poses, breath work, games, songs/chants, and visualization, this manual really is the "bible" of children's yoga instruction and is absolute required reading for anyone interested in teaching yoga to children and preteens. Highly recommended.
Written by a mom and yoga educator, Flynn knows firsthand the difficulty of helping kids self-regulate. At age six, her son was diagnosed with ADD and Sensory Processing Disorder. While this book is mostly geared towards helping parents facilitate yoga sessions with their children, it is a necessary and thorough resource for all children's yoga teachers. Supported with scientific research that lists the benefits of yoga for children (increases balance, strengthens immune system, improves sports performance, enhances listening skills, and much more!) beyond the body and mind and brings the results into the classroom: encourages community, improves executive functioning, helps increase confidence over competitiveness. My favorite finding she discusses is how yoga has been proven to aid speech development "through slow, repetitive verbal instructions, songs, and the imitation of simple sounds found in nature" (26). Breath work (pranayama) for speech development is essential, because we speak on the exhale, so the more breath support we have, the more chance for expression. Flynn breaks her instructions down by developmental age group (2-4, 4-6, 7-10, 10-12) which is perfect for the library educator planning yoga programming sessions for children. With sections on individual asanas, sequences, massage, partner poses, breath work, games, songs/chants, and visualization, this manual really is the "bible" of children's yoga instruction and is absolute required reading for anyone interested in teaching yoga to children and preteens. Highly recommended.
Freeman, Donna. Once Upon a Pose: A Guide to Yoga Adventure Stories for Children. Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2009. ISBN 978-1-4269-2220-6; Paperback; CAN $22.77.
This unique book of ten yoga adventure stories take 20-40 minutes each and are designed for children aged 3-12. The best part? They are in French AND English, perfect for presenting bilingual programs in a province like New Brunswick or Quebec, and extremely useful in the immersion program of the school system. There are 108 classroom applications for preschool to grade 6, along with modifications for exceptionalities such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and asthma, making yoga accessible to everyone. Each asana is explained and accompanied with a b&w photograph and its French and Sanskrit title. Includes a letter to parents you can use as a template detailing the benefits of the school or library's yoga program.
An essential resource for teaching yoga in a bilingual setting and a one-of-a-kind find among children's yoga books. Awesome!
This unique book of ten yoga adventure stories take 20-40 minutes each and are designed for children aged 3-12. The best part? They are in French AND English, perfect for presenting bilingual programs in a province like New Brunswick or Quebec, and extremely useful in the immersion program of the school system. There are 108 classroom applications for preschool to grade 6, along with modifications for exceptionalities such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and asthma, making yoga accessible to everyone. Each asana is explained and accompanied with a b&w photograph and its French and Sanskrit title. Includes a letter to parents you can use as a template detailing the benefits of the school or library's yoga program.
An essential resource for teaching yoga in a bilingual setting and a one-of-a-kind find among children's yoga books. Awesome!
Gates, Miriam, Rolf Gates, and Sarah J. Hinder. Yoga Friends: A Pose-by-Pose Partner Adventure for Kids. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2018. ISBN 978-1-62203-817-6; Hardcover; US $17.95.
Miriam Gates and illustrator Sarah J. Hinder are back, this time along with Gates' celebrity yoga teacher husband Rolf, to write another yoga picture book aimed at children ages 4-8. I want to say they did a better job this time than with their awkward Good Night Yoga book, but this one honestly isn't much better. The good news is the book is all about partner poses for children, and there are very few of those on the market despite how fun these poses can be. The bad news is the rhymes are pretty terrible (and inconsistent). Hinder's illustrations are pretty (and ethnically inclusive) but sometimes nonsensical (an octopus eating sushi underwater with a mouse at the aquarium while two toddlers do yoga on the floor?). Also the poses aren't explained in the text and are sometimes hard to discern from the illustrations, so parents, teachers, or storytime leaders will have to flip to the back of the book to find the explanation for how to do each pose. Might be a useful resource to plan a children's partner yoga program, or fun for kids to try out some poses free-style from looking at the pictures, but as a coherent story is a bit of a mess. Not a must-have.
Miriam Gates and illustrator Sarah J. Hinder are back, this time along with Gates' celebrity yoga teacher husband Rolf, to write another yoga picture book aimed at children ages 4-8. I want to say they did a better job this time than with their awkward Good Night Yoga book, but this one honestly isn't much better. The good news is the book is all about partner poses for children, and there are very few of those on the market despite how fun these poses can be. The bad news is the rhymes are pretty terrible (and inconsistent). Hinder's illustrations are pretty (and ethnically inclusive) but sometimes nonsensical (an octopus eating sushi underwater with a mouse at the aquarium while two toddlers do yoga on the floor?). Also the poses aren't explained in the text and are sometimes hard to discern from the illustrations, so parents, teachers, or storytime leaders will have to flip to the back of the book to find the explanation for how to do each pose. Might be a useful resource to plan a children's partner yoga program, or fun for kids to try out some poses free-style from looking at the pictures, but as a coherent story is a bit of a mess. Not a must-have.
Gates, Mariam, and Sarah J. Hinder. Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story. Boulder, CO: Sounds True, 2015. ISBN 978-1-62203-466-6; Hardcover; US $17.95. Also available as an eBook.
I'm not going to lie, as a parent this is not a book I'm going to read to my kids at bedtime when I'm trying to wind them down. We usually do yoga as a morning/afternoon activity. Though a little stretch when you are having trouble falling asleep is never a bad thing, a full-on series of poses would likely have the opposite effect on my two rowdy boys. Maybe things are different in your house. Also, the title of the book makes it difficult to use during classes or storytime programs, unless it is a pajama party.
My other beef with the book is that there are two story-lines happening at the same time, which makes it difficult for parents to read and children to follow. For example, one page explains in smaller font: "As I breathe in, as I breathe out, my feet press together and my knees spread out like butterfly wings." The text is accompanied by a drawing of a little girl doing butterfly pose. But the facing page reads, in larger font, "between the butterflies." Which makes no sense, unless you continue over from the previous spread which reads, "The ladybugs settle softly,". But that was two pages ago! I don't have the attention span for that, let alone my toddler. My only suggestion is to read the book as two separate stories, one as yoga instructions and one as a very short nighttime story about the Earth and its creatures going to sleep. There is also a guided meditation to read at the end and a two-page spread of the whole flow, which is helpful. Except the book doesn't lay flat because of its binding. The eBook would be better for teaching the poses to kids. But now you've got a screen in the bedroom when they are supposed to be going to sleep. Which also doesn't jive at our house.
While I appreciate the adorable illustrations and attempt to get children to chill out through yoga, the execution is off. With a Master's degree in Education, two children and a practice teaching yoga to kids, I would have expected Mariam Gates to at least do some field testing before going to print. Instead I feel like she has just hopped on the yoga-picture-books-for-kids-are-trendy bandwagon. Sorry, but my kids just didn't dig it, and I didn't either. I don't think it will work for library yoga or storytime programs, but some patrons might check it out to take home, and be frustrated trying to read two stories at the same time. Unless you have an unlimited budget (ha! what's that?) or unlimited attention span (also unlikely if you are a parent of small children/children's librarian/preschool teacher/human in the 21st century), I'd pass.
I'm not going to lie, as a parent this is not a book I'm going to read to my kids at bedtime when I'm trying to wind them down. We usually do yoga as a morning/afternoon activity. Though a little stretch when you are having trouble falling asleep is never a bad thing, a full-on series of poses would likely have the opposite effect on my two rowdy boys. Maybe things are different in your house. Also, the title of the book makes it difficult to use during classes or storytime programs, unless it is a pajama party.
My other beef with the book is that there are two story-lines happening at the same time, which makes it difficult for parents to read and children to follow. For example, one page explains in smaller font: "As I breathe in, as I breathe out, my feet press together and my knees spread out like butterfly wings." The text is accompanied by a drawing of a little girl doing butterfly pose. But the facing page reads, in larger font, "between the butterflies." Which makes no sense, unless you continue over from the previous spread which reads, "The ladybugs settle softly,". But that was two pages ago! I don't have the attention span for that, let alone my toddler. My only suggestion is to read the book as two separate stories, one as yoga instructions and one as a very short nighttime story about the Earth and its creatures going to sleep. There is also a guided meditation to read at the end and a two-page spread of the whole flow, which is helpful. Except the book doesn't lay flat because of its binding. The eBook would be better for teaching the poses to kids. But now you've got a screen in the bedroom when they are supposed to be going to sleep. Which also doesn't jive at our house.
While I appreciate the adorable illustrations and attempt to get children to chill out through yoga, the execution is off. With a Master's degree in Education, two children and a practice teaching yoga to kids, I would have expected Mariam Gates to at least do some field testing before going to print. Instead I feel like she has just hopped on the yoga-picture-books-for-kids-are-trendy bandwagon. Sorry, but my kids just didn't dig it, and I didn't either. I don't think it will work for library yoga or storytime programs, but some patrons might check it out to take home, and be frustrated trying to read two stories at the same time. Unless you have an unlimited budget (ha! what's that?) or unlimited attention span (also unlikely if you are a parent of small children/children's librarian/preschool teacher/human in the 21st century), I'd pass.
Guber, Tara, Leah Kalish, and Sophie Fatus. Yoga Planet: 50 Fun Activities for a Greener World. Bath, UK: Barefoot Books, 2008. ISBN 978-1-84686-181-9; 50 Cards; US $14.99.
I took my children's yoga teacher training with Leah Kalish, who is one of the authors of this card deck, which I then purchased after my training to use in my classes. There are 50 cards (mostly physical poses) with decent explanations and good illustrations to help children (and adults) figure out what to do on their own. I find these useful to leave out in a common area and let children experiment. There are some useless cards with suggestions for activities like riding your bike instead of taking the car (not like many kids have a choice in this matter) or using "rainbow power" to send good thoughts to a friend. These cards will largely be ignored by your students. The games and partner poses, on the other hand, like "Doorway" or "Over & Under" are extremely useful. I have yet to figure out why this card deck is "green" other than the "Earth, Air, Fire, Water" theme that will go unnoticed by all but the most discerning of little yogis. That said, all in all, this is a good deck to have on hand and has been well-loved by my own children and many students over the years. Recommended.
I took my children's yoga teacher training with Leah Kalish, who is one of the authors of this card deck, which I then purchased after my training to use in my classes. There are 50 cards (mostly physical poses) with decent explanations and good illustrations to help children (and adults) figure out what to do on their own. I find these useful to leave out in a common area and let children experiment. There are some useless cards with suggestions for activities like riding your bike instead of taking the car (not like many kids have a choice in this matter) or using "rainbow power" to send good thoughts to a friend. These cards will largely be ignored by your students. The games and partner poses, on the other hand, like "Doorway" or "Over & Under" are extremely useful. I have yet to figure out why this card deck is "green" other than the "Earth, Air, Fire, Water" theme that will go unnoticed by all but the most discerning of little yogis. That said, all in all, this is a good deck to have on hand and has been well-loved by my own children and many students over the years. Recommended.
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Harper, Jennifer Cohen. Little Flower Yoga for Kids: A Yoga and Mindfulness Program to Help Your Child Improve Attention and Emotional Balance. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 2013. ISBN 978-1-60882-792-3; Paperback; US $20.95.
I'm not going to lie, after reading hundreds of yoga books over the last two decades, including many written for children or their parents, they all start looking the same. There are some that really stand out for their innovation and unique approach (I'm look at you Sydney Solis and Liz Lark!), but most seem to be selling you on a "yoga lifestyle" that will reward you with a calm, well-adjusted (presumably upper-middle class) child and an overwhelming sense of peace and accomplishment while jangling your overpriced mala beads and sipping a (decaf) chai latte. The meditating children on the cover, the yoga-world celebrity endorsements (and a congressman!), the foreword by Dan Siegel (of Mindsight fame), they all lend this book an air of authority and circumstance. But once you are inside, there are no glossy staged photos of adorable kids doing down dog in expensive activewear, just some decent but sparse illustrations of cartoon kids doing poses. The paper is rough and the printing feels cheap. The format is predictable: a few chapters introducing the topics of yoga and meditation and how to apply them at home, then a chapter on mindfulness exercises (which Harper calls "Connect"), a chapter on breathing exercises, and then a chapter on the physical asanas (poses). Then there is a short chapter on "focusing" exercises (I'm not sure how this is much different from the previous mindfulness chapter), and then another short chapter on relaxation techniques. In a chapter called "Putting It All Together" there is a chart of sequence ideas based on how long you want to practice. It is all text-based and just lists the poses (with no page numbers), which isn't very helpful for a beginner parent who has no idea what "Malasana" is or where to find it in the book. Next there is a bit of quick talk about transitions, some parenting advice from the author, and then we're done. There is nothing wrong with the book, per se. The advice is sound. The author is qualified. In fact, she has a whole "Little Flower" branded website and training program. But there is nothing here to get excited about. Not as a fellow children's yoga teacher, not as a parent, not as a programming librarian, and not as a book buyer. If it were me, I'd leave it on the shelf. If it was a donation or I'd just received a huge budget windfall (all the public librarians laugh together now: hahahahaha), sure, I'd add it to the collection. But personally, I'd rather spend my acquisition dollars elsewhere. Your call. |
Kerr, Christiane and Julia Green. Yoga Animals in the Forest: Jump, Stretch, Balance, Breathe, and Relax with the Animals. Tulsa, OK: Kane Miller, 2020. ISBN 9781684640874; Hardcover; US $12.99.
Join Bear in the forest with his animal friends to do some fun exercises. This straightforward book invites readers to try out the different poses with easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations. There is nothing gimmicky or too woo-woo about the book and I appreciate Kerr's use of the Oxford comma. At the end is a two-page round-up of all the poses for quick reference and their benefits, which adult readers will surely enjoy. There's nothing like being able to point to an adorable picture in a book while your toddler squirms and says, "SEE, it says RIGHT HERE that this "promotes calm," so we better do it again!" Not the best book for Storytime, as it is a bit long, but you could pick and choose a few pages to try together, I guess. An excellent resource to add to your circulating collection. Recommended.
Join Bear in the forest with his animal friends to do some fun exercises. This straightforward book invites readers to try out the different poses with easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations. There is nothing gimmicky or too woo-woo about the book and I appreciate Kerr's use of the Oxford comma. At the end is a two-page round-up of all the poses for quick reference and their benefits, which adult readers will surely enjoy. There's nothing like being able to point to an adorable picture in a book while your toddler squirms and says, "SEE, it says RIGHT HERE that this "promotes calm," so we better do it again!" Not the best book for Storytime, as it is a bit long, but you could pick and choose a few pages to try together, I guess. An excellent resource to add to your circulating collection. Recommended.
Khalsa, Shakata K. Fly Like a Butterfly: Yoga for Children. Portland, OR: Rudra, 2000. ISBN 978-0-915-80184-8; Paperback; US $17.50.
A sweet and frankly adorable yoga book aimed at children (but more likely to be read by parents to their children), it opens with the following advice: "After yoga take a rest - the yoga will keep working on you while you rest." Constructed under the premise that there is more to discover about ourselves than what we see on the surface, Khalsa's pages take us through engaging poses like "Ride Your Bumpy Camel," "Washing Machine and Dryer" and "Bubble Pop." The lesson plans link storytelling and movement through great fables that children act out, which would be perfect for preschool to elementary programming, with an emphasis on having fun, listening and creative interpretation and not on alignment. The black and white photos feature children of various ages and ethnicities posing, not perfectly, but with radiant smiles on their faces - it is clear they are enjoying themselves! The manual ends with a simple introduction to mediation, songs and a list of all the good things each pose does for the child's mind and body. This book is a real winner and an essential addition to your teaching resources, especially for the littlest yogis.
A sweet and frankly adorable yoga book aimed at children (but more likely to be read by parents to their children), it opens with the following advice: "After yoga take a rest - the yoga will keep working on you while you rest." Constructed under the premise that there is more to discover about ourselves than what we see on the surface, Khalsa's pages take us through engaging poses like "Ride Your Bumpy Camel," "Washing Machine and Dryer" and "Bubble Pop." The lesson plans link storytelling and movement through great fables that children act out, which would be perfect for preschool to elementary programming, with an emphasis on having fun, listening and creative interpretation and not on alignment. The black and white photos feature children of various ages and ethnicities posing, not perfectly, but with radiant smiles on their faces - it is clear they are enjoying themselves! The manual ends with a simple introduction to mediation, songs and a list of all the good things each pose does for the child's mind and body. This book is a real winner and an essential addition to your teaching resources, especially for the littlest yogis.
Lark, Liz. Yoga for Kids. Richmond Hill, ON: Firefly, 2003. ISBN 978-1-552-97750-7; Paperback; Out of Print/Used Copies Available.
An oldie but a goodie! Lark has released newer editions under different publishers but this is the one I have kicking around and it is absolutely fantastic. This book encourages yoga teachers and parents to embrace the whole child through storytelling, color imagery, visualization, music, language, speech pronunciation, body articulation and drama. Lark maintains that the best way to teach a child is by practicing yoga (or any discipline) yourself, by being a good example. The book gets into some technical discussion about the qualities of the mind (tamas, rajas, sattva) and other yogic concepts that some readers may find offputting, but in actuality are very applicable concepts for anyone delivering programs to children or teens. When the students' energy seems tamastic (lethargic and daydream-y) include dynamic poses like Sun Salutations; when the energy is rajastic (hyper or easily distracted) bring in some calming postures (though you may have to exhaust them first with more dynamic poses!); when the energy is sattvic (concentrated without strain) do balancing exercises and sense awareness. Lark recommends "guided play" (copying teacher), partner work, and no structured breathing for students under 8 and no meditation until age 21 (but chanting and visualizations are OK). The manual includes step-by-step colored photos of kids from multiple ethnic backgrounds and genders doing a variety of sequences, such as "Whole-Body Warm-Up," "Walk Through the Animals," and "Circle Time" (a great way to end class!). If you come across a donated copy, snatch it up!
An oldie but a goodie! Lark has released newer editions under different publishers but this is the one I have kicking around and it is absolutely fantastic. This book encourages yoga teachers and parents to embrace the whole child through storytelling, color imagery, visualization, music, language, speech pronunciation, body articulation and drama. Lark maintains that the best way to teach a child is by practicing yoga (or any discipline) yourself, by being a good example. The book gets into some technical discussion about the qualities of the mind (tamas, rajas, sattva) and other yogic concepts that some readers may find offputting, but in actuality are very applicable concepts for anyone delivering programs to children or teens. When the students' energy seems tamastic (lethargic and daydream-y) include dynamic poses like Sun Salutations; when the energy is rajastic (hyper or easily distracted) bring in some calming postures (though you may have to exhaust them first with more dynamic poses!); when the energy is sattvic (concentrated without strain) do balancing exercises and sense awareness. Lark recommends "guided play" (copying teacher), partner work, and no structured breathing for students under 8 and no meditation until age 21 (but chanting and visualizations are OK). The manual includes step-by-step colored photos of kids from multiple ethnic backgrounds and genders doing a variety of sequences, such as "Whole-Body Warm-Up," "Walk Through the Animals," and "Circle Time" (a great way to end class!). If you come across a donated copy, snatch it up!
Luby, Thia. Children's Book of Yoga: Games & Exercises Mimic Plants & Animals & Objects. Santa Fe, NM: Clear Light Publishers, 1998. ISBN 978-1-574-16003-1; Hardcover; Out of Print/Used Copies available.
An absolute gem of a book; totally worth hunting down to add to your professional collection! This manual contains six complete sessions designed for children age 3-12 with an emphasis on play, injury prevention, and tension release. Encourages counting down to ten while holding poses, visualizing the natural object you are representing with your body, and the benefits of each pose. For example, Luby lists poses that alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, which is something all children (and parents and people who work with the public!) can enjoy. Full of bright, cheerful, color photos of children from a variety of ethic backgrounds and the subjects they are play-acting, this book is ideal for photocopying for handouts to parents/teachers. Encourages movement-rich programs with games and group poses like "Group Cactus Pose," Down Dog Race," Bird Walk Race," and "Snake Race." The poses in this book are the ones I reference most often in my classes for preschoolers, elementary and middle grades.
An absolute gem of a book; totally worth hunting down to add to your professional collection! This manual contains six complete sessions designed for children age 3-12 with an emphasis on play, injury prevention, and tension release. Encourages counting down to ten while holding poses, visualizing the natural object you are representing with your body, and the benefits of each pose. For example, Luby lists poses that alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, which is something all children (and parents and people who work with the public!) can enjoy. Full of bright, cheerful, color photos of children from a variety of ethic backgrounds and the subjects they are play-acting, this book is ideal for photocopying for handouts to parents/teachers. Encourages movement-rich programs with games and group poses like "Group Cactus Pose," Down Dog Race," Bird Walk Race," and "Snake Race." The poses in this book are the ones I reference most often in my classes for preschoolers, elementary and middle grades.
Power, Teresa A, and Kathleen Rietz. The Abcs of Yoga for Kids. Pacific Palisades, CA: Stafford House, 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-33955-1; Hardcover; CAN $19.95.
This multi-award-winning and beautifully illustrated little book is a perfect combination of pre-literacy skill-building and kinesthetic perfection! Aimed at preschoolers to early elementary, it lists the poses alphabetically with sweet drawings of children from different ethnicities practicing the poses in the shape of their name (i.e.: Flamingo has a little girl doing the pose next to a pink flamingo standing in the same shape). Adorable! Each pose is explained through a sing-songy rhyme, which is developmentally spot-on for this age group. A must-have for every children's department, preschool, and elementary school library. Put it out on display near the play area and it won't last long. Also available in paperback and as a deck of flashcards (see below)-
This multi-award-winning and beautifully illustrated little book is a perfect combination of pre-literacy skill-building and kinesthetic perfection! Aimed at preschoolers to early elementary, it lists the poses alphabetically with sweet drawings of children from different ethnicities practicing the poses in the shape of their name (i.e.: Flamingo has a little girl doing the pose next to a pink flamingo standing in the same shape). Adorable! Each pose is explained through a sing-songy rhyme, which is developmentally spot-on for this age group. A must-have for every children's department, preschool, and elementary school library. Put it out on display near the play area and it won't last long. Also available in paperback and as a deck of flashcards (see below)-
Power, Teresa A, and Kathleen Rietz. The Abcs of Yoga for Kids: Learning Cards. Pacific Palisades, CA: Stafford House, 2010. ISBN 978-0982258736; 57 Cards; CAN $21.95.
The above book is also available in a flash-card format that is great for self-directed learning. I will shuffle these (putting aside the more difficult ones for the toddler crowd) and get every student to pick a card and go back to their mat to try it out. They can then switch with a friend. For older children it might be a good idea to leave a pack or two of these out in your children's library space and let them practice on their own. I do this at home with my own children (ages 2 and 7). With nothing but a mat and these cards (and me offering guidance occasionally from the background) they can spend a good hour of silly giggles exercising their bodies. A favorite at my house is the: "Make up your own pose" card. This usually results in a "Hey Mum! Watch! Look what pose I made up!" followed by a toppling of bodies and laughter.
The above book is also available in a flash-card format that is great for self-directed learning. I will shuffle these (putting aside the more difficult ones for the toddler crowd) and get every student to pick a card and go back to their mat to try it out. They can then switch with a friend. For older children it might be a good idea to leave a pack or two of these out in your children's library space and let them practice on their own. I do this at home with my own children (ages 2 and 7). With nothing but a mat and these cards (and me offering guidance occasionally from the background) they can spend a good hour of silly giggles exercising their bodies. A favorite at my house is the: "Make up your own pose" card. This usually results in a "Hey Mum! Watch! Look what pose I made up!" followed by a toppling of bodies and laughter.
Purperhart, Helen. Yoga Exercises for Teens: Developing a Calmer Mind and a Stronger Body. Alameda, CA: Hunter House Publishers, 2009. ISBN 978-0897935036; Paperback; CAN $19.50.
Puperhart's straightforward book is aimed at adolescents but has a special section called "Information for the Teacher" with an iconography, practical tips, and research into teens' actual experience of the practice, including direct quotes from students (2-21). The rest of the book is dedicated to asanas (some illustrated, some not), series and sequences, partner poses and meditations and "visualizations." While the book is marketed to teens, I think some students will have a hard time engaging in her non-visual directives for many of the exercises, as well as some of the sensible (but eye-roll-worthy) pose names, like "Crotch Stretch" and "Thumb" (a pose where you literally give the thumbs-up sign while smiling and saying, "I value myself." Self-conscious teens may find all this a bit much. There's better books on the young adult market, such as Breathe: Yoga for Teens by Mary Kaye Chryssicas (reviewed above).
Puperhart's straightforward book is aimed at adolescents but has a special section called "Information for the Teacher" with an iconography, practical tips, and research into teens' actual experience of the practice, including direct quotes from students (2-21). The rest of the book is dedicated to asanas (some illustrated, some not), series and sequences, partner poses and meditations and "visualizations." While the book is marketed to teens, I think some students will have a hard time engaging in her non-visual directives for many of the exercises, as well as some of the sensible (but eye-roll-worthy) pose names, like "Crotch Stretch" and "Thumb" (a pose where you literally give the thumbs-up sign while smiling and saying, "I value myself." Self-conscious teens may find all this a bit much. There's better books on the young adult market, such as Breathe: Yoga for Teens by Mary Kaye Chryssicas (reviewed above).
Rawlinson, Adrienne. Creative Yoga for Children: Inspiring the Whole Child Through Yoga, Songs, Literature, and Games. Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books, 2013. ISBN 978-1-58394-554-4; Paperback; US $16.95, CAN $19.95.
Montessori teacher Adrienne Rawlinson has created 40 lesson plans divided among children aged 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. They are organized by themes, such as "The Sea," "Halloween," "The Body Systems," "The Holiday Season," and "Countries of the World" which serve as excellent stand-alone yoga in the library programs or can be grouped into a weekly series (say, focusing on the body or nature or holidays). Each lesson plan includes the educational purposes, a list of props (including books), the intention, and the time frame for each section. Each section consists of: the warm-up, a "connection," an activity, a breath-work practice, a story or craft, a meditation and a moment of gratitude. At the back is a partner and individual pose guide complete with b&w photos. In a market saturated with children's yoga books this one stands out for its consistent class structure, multimodal learning approach, and inventive class themes. Recommended for professional collections and for public use.
Montessori teacher Adrienne Rawlinson has created 40 lesson plans divided among children aged 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. They are organized by themes, such as "The Sea," "Halloween," "The Body Systems," "The Holiday Season," and "Countries of the World" which serve as excellent stand-alone yoga in the library programs or can be grouped into a weekly series (say, focusing on the body or nature or holidays). Each lesson plan includes the educational purposes, a list of props (including books), the intention, and the time frame for each section. Each section consists of: the warm-up, a "connection," an activity, a breath-work practice, a story or craft, a meditation and a moment of gratitude. At the back is a partner and individual pose guide complete with b&w photos. In a market saturated with children's yoga books this one stands out for its consistent class structure, multimodal learning approach, and inventive class themes. Recommended for professional collections and for public use.
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Roberts, Lisa. Teach Your Child Yoga: Fun & Easy Yoga Poses for Happier, Healthier Kids. New York: Sterling, 2019. ISBN 978-1-4549-3346-5; Paperback; US $16.95, CAN $22.95.
This sweet book is clearly written by someone with a lot of experience with children, both on and off the mat. There is a short introduction on why we should use yoga with children and then the book jumps right in to how to teach to each age group (toddler, preschool, school-age (5-8), and tweens/teens), with very helpful tips. Roberts even broaches the subject of how to teach mixed-age yoga. From there we move into a posture guide which clearly explains how to do each pose, with "simple steps" for explaining the pose to the child, and an illustration to demonstrate. Each pose guide is so clever, with tips, variations, modifications, and even suggestions for pose names beyond the traditional Sanskrit or culturally accepted name (such as "Crisscross Yoga Sauce" or "Noodles in a Pot" for Sukhasana/Easy Pose). After a comprehensive examining of each pose Roberts presents class curriculum (complete with referral pages for poses) and even scripts for parents/teachers to follow. The book ends with Chapter 7 (my physical-literacy-loving favorite!) full of great games. The section is divided by games for one or more players, games for three or more players, and games for larger groups. This book is a winner for yoga teachers, parents, programming librarians, and kids. Buy it! |
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Saraswati, Swami S. Yoga Education for Children. India: Bihar School of Yoga, 1999. ISBN 81-85787-33-6; Paperback; US $12.75.
The book that started it all! I was introduced to this text when I underwent my certification to teach children's yoga at Kripalu and it has remained a reliable resource ever since, and one that is not available in enough libraries so buy a copy! And while you are at it, add the companion (Volume 2) which offers creative ways to get kids interested in yogic principles though art, games, yoga nidra and it even includes a section on using yoga in special needs education. Written as a call to arms to establish a yoga-based educational system in India and beyond, this books discusses the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of preschoolers to teens and how an early introduction to yoga should come not through lessons, but through play and experiencing the consequences of our actions (28-29). It takes a pro-youth approach: "The very fact that young people are experimenting with so many different things is actually a positive contribution to the evolution of mankind. Older people should watch them and learn from them" (40-41); while being acutely aware of the issues plaguing our children: diabetes, emotional disturbances, and disabilities. The author operates from the wise perspective that we cannot force yoga onto other people, especially distressed children who find inactivity unbearable, and must use creative ways to promote relaxation through movement. Once the child has experienced peace, even briefly, they will gain some insight into their own behavior and that is the beginning of yoga practice (81). The majority of the book is devoted to a detailed description of the asanas and syllabus, focusing on different age groups from preschool to late adolescence. Recommended reading for anyone wishing to teach yoga to children and teens.
The book that started it all! I was introduced to this text when I underwent my certification to teach children's yoga at Kripalu and it has remained a reliable resource ever since, and one that is not available in enough libraries so buy a copy! And while you are at it, add the companion (Volume 2) which offers creative ways to get kids interested in yogic principles though art, games, yoga nidra and it even includes a section on using yoga in special needs education. Written as a call to arms to establish a yoga-based educational system in India and beyond, this books discusses the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of preschoolers to teens and how an early introduction to yoga should come not through lessons, but through play and experiencing the consequences of our actions (28-29). It takes a pro-youth approach: "The very fact that young people are experimenting with so many different things is actually a positive contribution to the evolution of mankind. Older people should watch them and learn from them" (40-41); while being acutely aware of the issues plaguing our children: diabetes, emotional disturbances, and disabilities. The author operates from the wise perspective that we cannot force yoga onto other people, especially distressed children who find inactivity unbearable, and must use creative ways to promote relaxation through movement. Once the child has experienced peace, even briefly, they will gain some insight into their own behavior and that is the beginning of yoga practice (81). The majority of the book is devoted to a detailed description of the asanas and syllabus, focusing on different age groups from preschool to late adolescence. Recommended reading for anyone wishing to teach yoga to children and teens.
Scherrer, Katie. Stories, Songs, and Stretches! Creating Playful Storytimes with Yoga and Movement. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions, 2017. ISBN 9780838915448; Paperback; US $48.00.
First off, with full disclosure, Katie and I know each other, as she is a fellow ALA Editions author and we've presented together at ALA Annual in New Orleans in June 2018. I have her phone number scrawled on a sticky note on the first page of this book. Even so, if her book was crap, I would tell you, because I would hope she'd do the same for my work. But the reason Katie is a celebrated yoga teacher, author, and library innovator is because she's awesome at what she does and this book is proof of that. She does a great job of explaining yoga and its uses, the difference between a yoga class for children and a yoga storytime, and how to hire a credentialed teacher, or lead the program yourself. She gives a concise overview of early literacy fundamentals and how to design a yoga storytime around them. She includes lots of book recommendations, many of which I recommend myself on this website or www.physicalliteracyinthelibrary.com, so I know she's done her homework. I especially like how she weaves music so securely into each program plan—so it becomes a necessary part of the fabric— something that could easily get overlooked but is so important for preschoolers. She includes digital tool suggestions as well, such as mindfulness apps or YouTube channels. I especially found her "Setting Expectations and Behavior Standards for Parents and Caregivers" section to be such essential reading I plan to share it with anyone who teaches yoga or movement-based storytimes to preschoolers. Then there's the 12 pre-planned programs, including a bilingual (Spanish/English) one! So much awesome. My only complaint would be the use of graphics. I don't love the stick people to illustrate the poses. I find them sorta amateurish, of little visual interest, and also not comprehensive enough for someone who doesn't teach yoga to be able to suss out the details of the form. Personally I'd have preferred if she'd used live models of real kids doing the poses, or more detailed lifelike illustrations. But that is a very minor complaint compared to the wealth of resources available in the book. Recommended for anyone teaching programs to preschool-age children in libraries, daycares and community centers. Bravo Katie!
First off, with full disclosure, Katie and I know each other, as she is a fellow ALA Editions author and we've presented together at ALA Annual in New Orleans in June 2018. I have her phone number scrawled on a sticky note on the first page of this book. Even so, if her book was crap, I would tell you, because I would hope she'd do the same for my work. But the reason Katie is a celebrated yoga teacher, author, and library innovator is because she's awesome at what she does and this book is proof of that. She does a great job of explaining yoga and its uses, the difference between a yoga class for children and a yoga storytime, and how to hire a credentialed teacher, or lead the program yourself. She gives a concise overview of early literacy fundamentals and how to design a yoga storytime around them. She includes lots of book recommendations, many of which I recommend myself on this website or www.physicalliteracyinthelibrary.com, so I know she's done her homework. I especially like how she weaves music so securely into each program plan—so it becomes a necessary part of the fabric— something that could easily get overlooked but is so important for preschoolers. She includes digital tool suggestions as well, such as mindfulness apps or YouTube channels. I especially found her "Setting Expectations and Behavior Standards for Parents and Caregivers" section to be such essential reading I plan to share it with anyone who teaches yoga or movement-based storytimes to preschoolers. Then there's the 12 pre-planned programs, including a bilingual (Spanish/English) one! So much awesome. My only complaint would be the use of graphics. I don't love the stick people to illustrate the poses. I find them sorta amateurish, of little visual interest, and also not comprehensive enough for someone who doesn't teach yoga to be able to suss out the details of the form. Personally I'd have preferred if she'd used live models of real kids doing the poses, or more detailed lifelike illustrations. But that is a very minor complaint compared to the wealth of resources available in the book. Recommended for anyone teaching programs to preschool-age children in libraries, daycares and community centers. Bravo Katie!
Schwartz, Ellen, and Ben Hodson. I Love Yoga: A Guide for Kids and Teens. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2003. ISBN 978-0-88776-598-8; Paperback; CAN $14.99, US $9.95.
A rare find in the yoga-book market: a guide addressed directly to new practitioners in the 10-13 age range! With illustrations and dialogue that may turn off older adolescents, this fun little book is spot-on for preteens, from its "Dear Yoga Dude" Q&A to its lists of celebrities and athletes that do yoga (albeit, having been published in 2003 it is a little outdated...I'm not sure many 12-year-olds know who Cindy Crawford is). Aimed at being inclusive, the drawings are multicultural and there's a few suggestions on adapting the poses for disabilities, but it seems more like an afterthought. One nice section is the "Making Yoga Part of Your Life" chapter (105-115) which offers sample routines, ways to motivate yourself, and inspiring advice from other adolescents. A winner of the Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" Award and a New York Public Library "Best Book for the Teen Age" pick, it clearly has some champions and is worth checking out if you know someone in this age group who could benefit from a personal home practice. It is less effective as a teaching resource, but a good addition to your YA non-fiction collection.
A rare find in the yoga-book market: a guide addressed directly to new practitioners in the 10-13 age range! With illustrations and dialogue that may turn off older adolescents, this fun little book is spot-on for preteens, from its "Dear Yoga Dude" Q&A to its lists of celebrities and athletes that do yoga (albeit, having been published in 2003 it is a little outdated...I'm not sure many 12-year-olds know who Cindy Crawford is). Aimed at being inclusive, the drawings are multicultural and there's a few suggestions on adapting the poses for disabilities, but it seems more like an afterthought. One nice section is the "Making Yoga Part of Your Life" chapter (105-115) which offers sample routines, ways to motivate yourself, and inspiring advice from other adolescents. A winner of the Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" Award and a New York Public Library "Best Book for the Teen Age" pick, it clearly has some champions and is worth checking out if you know someone in this age group who could benefit from a personal home practice. It is less effective as a teaching resource, but a good addition to your YA non-fiction collection.
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Singleton, Mark. Yoga for You & Your Child: The Step-By-Step Guide to Enjoying Yoga with Children of All Ages, 2nd Edition. London: Watkins, 2016. ISBN 978-1780288758; Paperback; CAN $15.95/US $14.95.
So many yoga books, especially those geared towards kids/parents, have a proprietary bent: they are trying to sell you on to the author's "brand" of yoga or want you to take their teacher training. Mark Singleton is not one of these yoga merchants. He cut his teeth teaching yoga to disadvantaged children in India and then returned to the UK to teach in schools and afterschool centers. It shows in the delivery of the book, with its straight-forward tone, its clear instructions, and refreshingly plain-clothed models (sweat pants and t-shirts for everyone!). Besides sections of simply-named poses, there are games and dynamic movements. There are poses being done by mothers AND fathers alongside the kids. There's a great section reminding parents to have their own yoga practice before trying to instruct their children, so they can act as a good role-model and embody the yogic philosophy in their daily actions. Although some teachers disagree with teaching pranayama (breathing exercises) to children, Singleton has a thorough introduction to the topic with some practices tailored to little lungs. The same is provided for meditation. There is a section called "Putting It All Together" that links asanas into a series you can practice at different times (when you or your child is sluggish, or hyper, or recovering from an illness, for example). And most useful is a section at the back called "Yogis at School" that uses yoga philosophy to help children cope with the stresses of school, to improve their concentration, and even how to write exams "the yoga way." Highly recommended for all public and school libraries, including professional collections for libraries that host yoga programs. |
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Solis, Sydney, and Melanie Sumner. The Treasure in Your Heart: Stories and Yoga for Peaceful Children. Boulder, Colo: Mythic Yoga Studio, 2007. ISBN 978-0-9777063-1-0; Paperback; CAN $24.99.
Sydney Solis has had a difficult journey, through a unbearable childhood with two parents who suffered from mental illness to a first husband who committed suicide after his business went bankrupt and left her with two small and no home or income. What saved her, as a child, and later as an adult, was storytelling and yoga. Her books take single stories, chosen from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and pair them with a sequence of yoga poses, an activity, a chant or poem, and a meditation/visualization to create an entire lesson plan. Even if I don't follow the programs she has outlined, I often incorporate her carefully chosen and emotionally resonant tales into my children's (and adult!) yoga classes. The book contains b&w photos of children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds performing the asanas, as well as a welcome appendix on how to use interfaith stories to teach in schools (or libraries). Not an essential purchase but a nice focus on storytelling for teachers or parents who appreciate its value.
See also: Solis, Sydney, and Michele Trapani. Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story. Boulder, Colo: The Mythic Yoga Studio, 2006.
Sydney Solis has had a difficult journey, through a unbearable childhood with two parents who suffered from mental illness to a first husband who committed suicide after his business went bankrupt and left her with two small and no home or income. What saved her, as a child, and later as an adult, was storytelling and yoga. Her books take single stories, chosen from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and pair them with a sequence of yoga poses, an activity, a chant or poem, and a meditation/visualization to create an entire lesson plan. Even if I don't follow the programs she has outlined, I often incorporate her carefully chosen and emotionally resonant tales into my children's (and adult!) yoga classes. The book contains b&w photos of children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds performing the asanas, as well as a welcome appendix on how to use interfaith stories to teach in schools (or libraries). Not an essential purchase but a nice focus on storytelling for teachers or parents who appreciate its value.
See also: Solis, Sydney, and Michele Trapani. Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story. Boulder, Colo: The Mythic Yoga Studio, 2006.
Copyright Jenn Carson 2015-2018
